When we think of video podcasts, our minds typically go to YouTube Podcasts – the rapidly growing podcast app within the second largest search engine.
After the closure of Google Podcasts in early 2024, YouTube Podcasts quickly secured its spot as a favorite podcast app for many – especially creators and audiences focused on video podcasts.
However, in the last few months, Spotify, one of the largest podcast apps, has been making big strides toward the prominence of video on the platform. Here are some stats to know:
- Currently, there are more than 250,000 video podcast shows on Spotify—up from 100,000 last year.
- More than 170 million users have watched a video podcast on Spotify.
- On Spotify, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. monthly active users engage with video podcasts (this is above the national average, which is 1 in 4).
On top of that, Podnews reports that Spotify is “making offers, reaching seven figures, to ‘encourage video-oriented creators to distribute their shows to the platform in addition to YouTube.”’
If you’re interested in learning more about video podcasting on Spotify, including how to upload, how to secure a video setup, and the best practices for optimization, you’ve come to the right place.
Why podcasters are turning to video
Before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at why so many creators are turning to video podcasts anyway.
Increase audience engagement
Video podcasts engage audiences on a deeper level than audio alone. With video, viewers can see non-verbal cues like facial expressions and body language, making them feel more connected to the host.
This added layer of interaction often results in viewers feeling more involved in the conversation, increasing the likelihood that they’ll stick around for longer episodes.
This is especially true for younger audiences. 49% of Gen Z listeners report that video helps them better understand the context and tone of the podcast, and 45% feel more connected to the podcaster over video.
Expand your reach across multi-platforms
One of the major advantages of video podcasts is the ability to reach beyond traditional audio-only platforms. With video, podcasters can distribute clips and full episodes on popular video-focused social platforms which are ideal for capturing new audiences who prefer visual content. In fact, 47% of Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts users watch podcasts through short clips.
Plus, these impactful snippets attract viewers who may not initially seek out podcast content, ultimately driving them to Spotify or YouTube Podcasts for the full video episode.
Supplement your content with visual elements
I’m sure you’ve listened to an audio podcast describe an image or video – and it hasn’t done the trick.
Video podcasts offer a unique opportunity to enhance content with visual aids. Whether it’s charts, on-screen examples, or live demonstrations, these elements can help explain complex topics more effectively than audio alone.
Plus, (if you’re anything like me) these photos or videos can satisfy your curiosity – what do the people we’re talking about look like? What about the places the host describes?
In these ways, visuals can make learning experiences more engaging and digestible, ensuring viewers have a clearer understanding of the content and retain information.
Securing your video setup
Creating a professional video podcast requires selecting quality equipment and using the right platforms for everything from recording and editing to hosting and analytics. Here’s a guide on what you need and some recommended options to help you get started.
Podcast equipment
Investing in the right podcast equipment is essential to ensure that your video podcast stands out. The quality of your visuals and audio significantly impacts your audience's experience, so carefully consider each component of your setup.
- Camera: High-definition video is a must. Many podcasters use a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but quality webcams or smartphone cameras can work well for beginners – especially if you have decent remote recording software. If we are in the market for a camera, we suggest the Canon EOS M50 or Sony ZV-1 for portability and quality.
- Microphone: Audio quality is just as crucial in video podcasts as visuals. Dynamic or condenser microphones capture clear, professional sound. We recommend the Shure SM7B for professional setups or the Audio-Technica AT2020 for more affordable, quality sound.
- Lighting: Good lighting is vital to eliminate shadows and enhance your appearance. Natural lighting can do this just fine, but if you’re recording in a dark space, we suggest purchasing a ring light or softbox lights that are adjustable for various settings. For example, the Neewer LED Video Lights or Elgato Key Light Air for smaller setups.
Recording platform
Recording on a reliable platform is essential, especially if you have remote guests. When it comes to choosing a recording platform, we suggest opting for platforms with local recording capabilities for higher video quality and tools that offer backup options to avoid losing footage.
Some popular options include:
- Riverside.fm: Allows for high-definition, local recording for both video and audio, making it ideal for remote interviews.
- SquadCast: Now owned by Descript, offers easy-to-use, remote recording with high-quality video options, plus built-in audio backup.
- Zoom: A popular, affordable option, though it doesn’t offer the same high resolution as specialized platforms. For that reason, Zoom is best used for informal or internal video podcasting.
Editing platform
After you’re done recording, you’ll want to invest in editing software that’s able to refine both audio and video elements. If you’re using multiple angles, ensure your editing software supports multi-camera editing. Plus, you’ll likely want to opt for a platform that offers audio sync tools for seamless alignment of video and audio tracks. Some trusted options include:
- Adobe Premiere Pro: A versatile choice for professional video editing, with extensive tools for color correction, audio, and effects. It’s great for detailed editing.
- Final Cut Pro: Excellent for Mac users, offering powerful editing capabilities with a user-friendly interface.
- Descript: Perfect for podcasters, Descript combines audio and video editing with transcription and easy collaboration tools, ideal for beginners and pros alike.
Video podcast hosting platforms
Choosing a podcast hosting platform with the right analytics and video distribution capabilities is key to simplifying your workflow and growing your audience.
With that said, not many hosting platforms can distribute video podcasts just yet. Instead, they’ll export the audio version of your podcast and use your covert art as the background, which isn’t as engaging as the full video.
Because of this, it’s important to consider alternative options if you plan on making video a central component of your podcast strategy. Here are some platforms we suggest:
- CoHost: A podcast analytics and audience insights tool with multi-platform video publishing, automatic audio extraction, and video repurposing features soon to be available. Sign up to be notified when we launch.
- Libsyn: A popular podcast hosting tool that can publish your podcast directly to YouTube as either a video podcast or an audio file with a Libsyn-generated video with your cover art.
- Spotify For Podcasters: A free option designed for Spotify, the platform also has a Riverside integration that allows you to have high-grade audio and video recordings wherever you (or your guests) are based.
For a more detailed list of video podcast hosting platforms, check out our article where we dive into the price, main features, and cons of top options.
How to upload your video podcast on Spotify
Now that you’ve secured your video setup, it’s time to upload your video to Spotify. Depending on whether you’re currently hosting on Spotify or not, the process will look a bit different.
Not to worry though - they’re both straightforward and if you run into any roadblocks you can consult their help page.
If your podcast is hosted on Spotify
- Log into Spotify for Podcasters: Start by signing into your Spotify for Podcasters account on the web.
- Create a new episode: Click on the New Episode button.
- Select your video file: Choose Select a file to upload your video episode. Note that you can only upload video episodes using the Spotify for Podcasters web interface. If you need to record or edit your podcast, consider using the Riverside integration via Spotify for Podcasters.
- Account verification: Before publishing your first episode, ensure your account is verified. You should have received a verification email upon creating your account.
- Add episode details: Once you’ve selected your episode file, you’ll be directed to the Details page. Here, you can provide a title and description for your episode.
- Choose a publish date: To publish your episode immediately, select Now under Publish date. To schedule your episode for a future date, choose Schedule, then specify the desired date and time.
- Email notifications: You will receive an email notification when your episode is being processed, and another once it’s complete.
If your podcast is hosted elsewhere
- Sign into Spotify for Podcasters: Log in, or create an account if needed.
- Select the Podcast: From the sidebar or the “All podcasts” section, choose the podcast you want to add a video to.
- Choose the Episode: Locate the episode for conversion and click the three dots next to it.
- Upload Your Video: Click “Upload video” and select your video file.
- Preview and Publish: Once the upload is complete, preview the episode to verify, then hit “Publish.”
Once approved, the video episode will be live and accessible exclusively through Spotify’s mobile and web platforms.
Supported file types and recommendations for Spotify
Here are some specific details regarding file formats, sizes, and encoding recommendations for publishing video podcasts to Spotify:
- File formats: Spotify supports MOV and MP4 video files.
- File size: While there is no specific file size limit, larger files will take longer to process and can be more susceptible to interruptions if your internet connection is unstable.
- Encoding recommendations: For the best results, Spotify suggests:
- General:
- Your file should contain only one video track and one audio track.
- The maximum duration of your file cannot exceed 12 hours.
- Video:
- Use H.264 High Profile encoding.
- Maintain a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.
- Maximum bitrates: 25 Mbps for 1080p, or 35 Mbps for 4K sources.
- Use the native frame rate of your source material.
- Audio:
- Use AAC-LC with a bitrate of 192 Kbps or higher.
- Stereo audio is supported, while surround or multi-channel audio is not.
- General:
How to create a video podcast on Spotify that stands above the rest
As you may have guessed, it’s not enough to just get any camera, hit record, and start a successful video podcast. Here are some tips to help you stand out:
Maintain a consistent visual identity
Establishing a recognizable visual style is vital for brand recognition – whether it’s a branded podcast or just your personal brand.
For instance, a signature outfit, logo, color scheme, or specific set design, consistency helps create a cohesive brand image. This allows your audience to easily identify your content across different platforms; you’ll immediately stand out on their homepage.
Take cues from successful creators who make distinct visual choices that become synonymous with their shows – think Madeline Argy’s classic car recordings in Pretty Lonesome. Her recording location has become so connected to the podcast that fans are actively invested in car tours and her truck is a central feature in the podcast’s new cover.
Optimize for SEO
Just as you would an audio-only podcast, you’ll want to ensure your video podcast is SEO-optimized for listening apps and search engines by using descriptive titles, tags, and detailed descriptions.
Incorporate relevant podcast keywords that reflect your series' content and themes, making it easier for potential listeners to discover your episodes. This practice enhances your visibility on Spotify and other platforms, driving more traffic to your show.
Leverage Spotify-specific audience engagement tools
Building a community around your podcast is vital for success. After all, what’s the use in creating a great podcast if it doesn’t reach the right people?
Spotify has specific features, like comments, polls, and Q&A, that allow you to engage with your audience directly. You can also incorporate audience feedback into your episodes—such as addressing listener questions or featuring comments—to create a sense of community and loyalty.
Understand your audience’s behaviors and consumption preferences
Understanding your audience’s habits and preferences is essential to create content that:
- Resonates
- Captures attention
- Keeps listeners returning
When you know exactly who your audience is, where they spend time online, and what they care about, you can produce more targeted content that speaks directly to their interests and pain points.
To get a better understanding of your audience, you can consult data directly from your Spotify Analytics, like age, gender, and location. But we suggest taking it a step further by looking into podcast analytics and audience insights solutions.
For example, CoHost’s Prefix offers Audience Advanced Demographics and B2B Analytics regardless of your hosting setup.
With this data, creators have detailed breakdowns of listener demographics, social media habits, interests, lifestyle types, and more—helping you tailor your content to meet audience preferences.
Are you ready to tap into video podcasting?
While video certainly isn’t for everyone, it is a great option for creators looking to expand their reach, boost their discoverability, and diversify their podcast marketing.
Spotify, in particular, is making big strides toward video-first (or at least video-adjacent) podcasts, allowing creators to seamlessly integrate visual elements that enhance storytelling, capture viewer attention, and foster a stronger connection with fans.
By leveraging these tools, podcasters are primed to create a richer experience for visual audiences and stand out in the competitive podcast landscape.
To learn more about CoHost’s video podcast hosting and our in-depth podcast analytics and audience insights, get in touch with our team.
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